Game ball with non-intersecting channels or ribs

ABSTRACT

A game ball, such as a basketball, having non-intersecting channels or ribs is disclosed in various embodiments. Each channel forms a closed loop extending across the surface of the ball between a right side and a left side. Exemplary embodiments of the game ball have four, two, and one channel(s) and five, three and two panels, respectively.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates, in various exemplary embodiments, to animproved game ball or sports ball. More particularly, the disclosure isdirected to an inflatable sports ball or game ball, such as abasketball, which has non-intersecting channels or ribs.

BACKGROUND

Inflatable game balls can be produced by several different processes. Inparticular, a basketball comprises a multi-layer structure whichincludes a generally spherical interior air bladder which is wound withmonofilament strands to create a winding layer overlying the airbladder. A carcass is then formed, or molded, over the winding layer.

The carcass is of substantially uniform thickness defining a sphericalouter surface with a carcass circumference. Ribs project outwardly from,and extend curvilinearly around, the carcass outer surface. Typically,each rib is raised about 0.75-1.50 mm above the surface of the carcass.

The ribs define a plurality of separated surface areas or panel areas.Generally, the carcass is divided into eight panel surface areas. Panelsmay be laminated onto the outer surface of the carcass in the separatedsurface areas. The thickness of the panels is typically greater than thethickness of the ribs, so that the ribs, while projecting above thecarcass surface, are slightly recessed below the panel exterior surface.The edge portions of the panels may be beveled or “skived” so that thepanel edge will be flush with the projecting carcass rib when laminated.

When finished, the laminated basketball has a spherical shape, with eachcarcass rib and opposing skived panel edge portions defining a channelor a seam. Typically, the channel or seam is 4.75-9.52 mm wide. Theexact size or shape of this area can be varied, according to performanceand aesthetic considerations.

The construction of a basketball as described above generally results ina ball exhibiting substantially uniform characteristics such as grip,feel, hardness, abrasion resistance, durability, resilience,compressibility, etc. In particular, the channel on a basketballgenerally enhances the player's ability to grip the ball. Basketballsknown in the art generally have three channels or ribs which intersectwith each other and these channels are generally smooth compared to thepanel surfaces. However, where channels intersect, there is a largesmooth spot which reduces the player's ability to grip the ball and alsoaffects the rebound of the ball. Consequently, there is a need for aball which improves the grip, feel, control, and performance of a gameball, such as a basketball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are game balls which have non-intersecting ribs orchannels. The game ball comprises a spherical interior air bladder. Awinding layer overlies the air bladder. A carcass is then formed overthe winding layer. The outer surface of the carcass has one or morenon-intersecting ribs which define a plurality of panel areas. Thecarcass thickness in the rib is greater than the carcass thickness inthe panel areas. A plurality of panels is provided and each panel isplaced in a panel area. In other embodiments, the game ball has one ormore non-intersecting channels.

In an exemplary embodiment, the game ball comprises a plurality ofchannels. Each channel forms a closed loop which runs across the surfaceof the ball from a right side to a left side and back to the right side.The closed loop of each channel defines a panel area inside the loop.The remaining surface of the game ball outside the closed loops of thechannels also defines a panel area. The channels do not intersect witheach other.

In another exemplary embodiment, the game ball comprises four channels.Each channel forms a closed loop which runs from a right side of thegame ball to a left side of the game ball and back again and defines apanel area inside the loop. The four panel areas inside the loop havesubstantially the same shape and dimensions. The channels do notintersect with each other. The area outside the four channels alsodefines a fifth panel area. Panels are provided for each panel area.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the game ball comprises two channels.Each channel forms a closed loop which extends across the surface of theball between a right side and a left side of the game ball. The twochannels define three panel areas. Panels are provided for each panelarea.

In an additional exemplary embodiment, the game ball has only onechannel. The channel extends across the surface between a right side anda left side of the ball at least six times and defines two panel areas.In a still further embodiment, the channel extends between a right sideand a left side of the ball eight times. Each panel area hassubstantially the same shape and the same dimensions. Two panels areprovided and each panel is placed in a different panel area.

In other embodiments, the panels are skived and/or follow the taperedsurface of the channel, so that the skived panel edge is substantiallyflush with the exterior face of the rib.

In still another embodiment, the panels comprise a material selectedfrom the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, rubber,and a composite material. In other embodiments, each panel has a pebbledtexture which increases grip.

Additional non-limiting features of the disclosure will be describedhereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims appendedhereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a brief description of the drawings, which arepresented for the purposes of illustrating the exemplary embodimentsdisclosed herein and not for the purposes of limiting the same.

FIG. 1 is a left side view of a prior art basketball.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a prior art basketball.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of a prior art basketball.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a gameball according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a game ballaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a right side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a gameball according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a gameball according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a left side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a gameball according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of a game ballaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a right side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a gameball according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of a second exemplary embodiment of a game ballaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a left side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a gameball according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a third exemplary embodiment of a game ballaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a right side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a gameball according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a left perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of agame ball according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a right perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of agame ball according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A game ball, such as a basketball, having non-intersecting channels orribs is disclosed in various embodiments. Each channel forms a closedloop extending across the surface of the ball between a right side and aleft side. Exemplary embodiments of the game ball have four, two, andone channel(s) and five, three and two panels, respectively.

The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are more particularlydescribed below with reference to the drawings. Although specific termsare used in the following description for clarity, these terms areintended to refer only to the particular structure of the variousembodiments selected for illustration in the drawings and not to defineor limit the scope of the disclosure. The same reference numerals areused to identify the same structure in different Figures unlessspecified otherwise. The structures in the Figures are not drawnaccording to their relative proportions and the drawings should not beinterpreted as limiting the disclosure in size or location.

FIG. 1 is a left side view of a typical prior art basketball. Thebasketball 10 is generally spherical and has three ribs or channels 12,14, and 16. Channel 12 extends longitudinally around an equator of thebasketball, channel 16 extends laterally around a second equator of thebasketball, and channel 14 is a serpentine channel which has a shapelike that of a baseball seam. Channel 14 intersects channel 12 atintersections 20 and 24, while channels 12 and 16 intersect atintersection 22. Eight panel areas 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44are defined by the three channels. Other game balls known in the arthave more channels and/or panels; e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,732discloses a basketball having nine to twelve panel areas and/or fivechannels. Generally speaking, when two channels intersect, theyintersect at an angle that is not substantially 180°. For example, linesegments 50 and 52 meet at intersection 22, but do so at an angle thatis substantially 180°; therefore, they are considered the same channel,not two different channels. In contrast, channels 12 and 16 meet at a90° angle at intersection 22; they are considered two differentchannels. Channels may also be considered as intersecting when theytouch each other at some point along their path. In particular, channelsdo not need to cross each other in order to be considered asintersecting.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the prior art basketball. In this view, panelareas 40, 42, 44, and 30 are not visible; neither is channel 16. Here,channel 14 extends longitudinally across the surface of the basketballfrom a left side to a right side and back again, or in other words, itextends across the surface of the basketball between the left side andthe right side. Channel 14 extends across the surface of the basketballa total of four times. Channel 12 also extends across the surface of thebasketball between the left side and the right side; it does so a totalof two times.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the prior art basketball. Here, channel14 intersects channel 16 at intersections 60 and 64, while channels 12and 16 intersect at intersection 62.

FIGS. 4-7 are four different views of a first exemplary embodiment of agame ball according to the present disclosure. This embodiment of a gameball has four non-intersecting channels. In specific embodiments, thegame ball is a basketball.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the first exemplary embodiment of a gameball according to the present disclosure. The game ball 80 has fourchannels 82, 84, 86, and 88. Each channel is a closed loop extendingacross the surface of the ball from a left side to a right side andback, or i.e., between a left side and a right side. Each channeldefines a panel area inside the loop; for example, channel 82 definespanel area 90. In FIGS. 4-7, the four panel areas have been shadeddifferently in order to distinguish them: panel area 90 is stippled;panel area 92 is crosshatched; panel area 94 has vertical lines, andpanel area 96 has horizontal lines. The area outside the channels alsodefines a panel area; here, panel area 98 is defined as the surface areanot enclosed by the four channels and is white in FIGS. 4-7. Thechannels do not intersect; i.e., no channel intersects any otherchannel.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the first exemplary embodiment. There is nochannel running along an equator of the game ball. In this view, theentire closed loop of channels 82 and 84 can be seen. In thisembodiment, the rear view (not shown) is substantially the same as thefront view, except of course that different channels and panel areas areseen. However, the front and rear views do not need to be substantiallythe same; for example, if there is an odd number of channels or thechannels are not symmetrically placed, the views may differ.

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the first exemplary embodiment. Again,none of the channels intersect in this view. The left side view and theright side view are essentially the same. This occurs because in thisembodiment, the channels are symmetrically placed around thelongitudinal axis of the ball and each panel area has substantially thesame shape and dimensions. Again, the present disclosure alsocontemplates embodiments where the channels are not symmetricallyplaced. However, in specific embodiments, the channels are symmetricallyplaced around the surface of the ball.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the front and the right side of thefirst exemplary embodiment. The four channels do not intersect. Panelareas 90, 92, 94, and 96 have substantially the same shape anddimensions. In specific embodiments, a plurality of panel areas willhave substantially the same shape and dimensions. However, this does notmean all panel areas will; e.g., in this embodiment, panel area 98differs in shape and dimension from the other four panel areas. Asanother example, a game ball may have four non-intersecting channels,but two channels define panel areas of one shape and dimension and theother two channels define panel areas of another shape or dimension. Inother specific embodiments, all panel areas defined by the inside of theclosed loop of a channel will differ in shape and dimension.

FIGS. 8-11 are four different views of a second exemplary embodiment ofa game ball according to the present disclosure. This embodiment of agame ball has two non-intersecting channels. In specific embodiments,the game ball is a basketball. In these Figures, panel area 90 isstippled, panel area 92 is crosshatched, and panel area 94 is white.

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the second exemplary embodiment of a gameball according to the present disclosure. The game ball 80 has twochannels 82 and 84. Each channel is a closed loop extending across thesurface of the ball between a left side and a right side of the ball.The shape of each channel is similar to that of a baseball seam. Eachchannel defines a panel area inside the loop; for example, channel 82defines panel area 90. The area outside the channels also defines apanel area; here, panel area 94 is defined as the surface area notenclosed by the two channels. The two channels do not intersect.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the second exemplary embodiment. From thisview, panel areas 90 and 92 do not appear the same, even though theyhave substantially the same shape and dimensions.

FIG. 10 is a right side view of the second exemplary embodiment. Again,the two channels do not intersect. Note that in this view and in theleft view, panel area 94 may appear to be two different panel areas,even though it is not.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the second exemplary embodiment. It is not thesame as the front view.

FIGS. 12-16 are five different views of a third exemplary embodiment ofa game ball according to the present disclosure. This embodiment of agame ball has only one channel and therefore cannot intersect anotherchannel. In specific embodiments, the game ball is a basketball. Inthese Figures, panel area 90 is stippled and panel area 92 is white.

FIG. 12 is a left side view of the third exemplary embodiment. The gameball 80 has one serpentine channel 82 which defines two panel areas 90and 92. The two panel areas are offset from each other by approximately45° and interlock. They also have substantially the same shape anddimensions; however, in other embodiments, the two panel areas havedifferent shapes and dimensions.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the third exemplary embodiment. This view isvery similar to the front view of FIG. 5; however, note that here thechannel continues down the left side, whereas in FIG. 5 the two channels82 and 84 are each seen to form a closed loop.

FIG. 14 is a right side view of the third exemplary embodiment. Thisview is rotated approximately 45° compared to the left side view of FIG.12 and shows that there is only one channel 82.

FIG. 15 is a left perspective view showing the front and the left sideof the third exemplary embodiment. FIG. 16 is a right perspective viewshowing the front and the right side of the third exemplary embodiment.Even though FIG. 16 appears the same as FIG. 7, the number and patternof the channel(s) is different. The channel 82 extends across thesurface between a right side and a left side of the ball eight times.Overall, the game ball appears to have eight panels. In specificembodiment where the game ball has only one channel, the channel mustextend between a right and left side at least six times.

FIGS. 1-16 referred to panel areas defined by channels when discussingthe game ball of the present disclosure. It should be remembered thatfor each game ball, a plurality of panels is provided. Each panel areawill have at least one panel placed inside it.

In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, each channel is aclosed loop running from a left side of the ball to a right side of theball. In other words, each channel extends across the surface of theball between a right side and a left side of the ball. The game ball hasat least one right side and at least one left side. A right side andleft side of the ball can be determined by intersecting a plane with theball; the plane will separate the ball into a left side and a rightside. In specific embodiments, the plane intersects the ball along anequator of the ball. A channel will intersect the plane as many times asit extends between the right and left sides defined by that plane. Forexample, in the prior art basketball, with reference to FIG. 1, say thatthe plane in which channel 12 lies defines a right and left side of theball. Channel 14 extends across the ball four times; it intersectschannel 12 at intersections 20, 24, 60, and 64. Similarly, channel 16extends across the ball only twice; it intersects channel 12 atintersections 22 and 62. In the first exemplary embodiment, withreference to FIG. 4, each channel extends across the surface of the balltwice. In the second exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 8,each channel extends across the surface of the ball four times. In thethird exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 12, the channelextends across the surface of the ball eight times. In specificembodiments, the ball has one left side and one right side.

In specific embodiments where the ball has one left side and one rightside, the right side of the ball is located substantially near an end ofthe ball and the left side of the ball is located substantially near theopposite end of the ball. Therefore, each channel extends substantiallyfrom one end to the opposite end of the ball. For example, in the firstexemplary embodiment, as seen in FIG. 5, the right side and the leftside are located substantially near opposite ends of the ball.

In the three exemplary embodiments shown, each channel is non-planar. Inspecific embodiments of the present disclosure, each channel isnon-planar. However, in other embodiments, a channel may be planar, i.e.it may be defined by the intersection of a plane with the game ball.

As previously discussed, a game ball, such as a basketball, is made froma carcass which has outwardly projecting ribs. Generally speaking, achannel on a basketball corresponds to the exterior surface of a rib.Any discussion of a channel on the surface of a game ball is directlyapplicable to a rib on the outer surface of a carcass and should beconstrued as such. For example, the discussion of the first exemplaryembodiment, which has four channels on the surface of a game ball,should be construed as applying equally to a carcass having four ribs onits surface. Similarly, the carcass will have at least one right sideand at least one left side.

When describing the ball, channels, panel areas, or panels assymmetrical, the term “symmetrical” should be understood as meaningmirror-image symmetry. In other words, the ball is symmetrical if aplane divides the ball in half and the halves are mirror images of eachother. FIGS. 4 and 13, for example, show a mirror-image half of theball.

It should be noted that in the manufacture of a game ball such as abasketball, what appears to be one panel may actually be several smallerpanels. The above discussion of panels and channels is intended to applyto the appearance of the final product and should not be construed as adiscussion of how the game ball must be manufactured. For example, inthe third exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-15, panels 90 and 92are more cost-effectively produced as four or five separate pieces. Eachof the panels may be manufactured instead by joining appropriate edgesof separate pieces together to form the four-leaved panel of the finalproduct. Those joined edges are not visible in the final product andshould not be considered a channel. Alternatively, one may realize thatthose joined edges do not correspond to a rib on the exterior surface ofa carcass and thus should not be considered a channel either.

A game ball, such as a basketball, is made up generally of four majorcomponents: an interior air bladder, a layer of monofilament strandswound over the bladder, a carcass formed over the wound layer definingpanel areas, and panels secured in the panel areas.

The bladder is formed spherically and adapted to be inflated with air.The bladder, when properly inflated, provides the primary resilience forthe finished ball. Such air bladders are usually formed of butyl rubberor butyl and natural rubber compounds and are fitted with a valve forintroducing air into the ball to inflate and pressurize the structure.The bladder is usually made from rubber.

Outwardly disposed of the interior air bladder is a layer comprisingmonofilament polymeric strands, usually of nylon or polyester. Thestrands are coated with an adhesive, such as a rubber cement, to ensureretention of the strands on the bladder. The winding layer addsdimensional stability to the bladder and ball, restrains outwardexpansion when inflated, and also reduces outward pressure on thecarcass.

The next layer of the basketball is an elastomer carcass. The carcass isusually fabricated from a polymer composition molded over the woundbladder. Rubber (natural and/or synthetic) is also used for improvedrebound and durability. The carcass has a substantially spherical outersurface defining a carcass circumference. One or more ribs extend abovethe carcass circumference.

The exterior face of the extending rib is above the substantiallyspherical outer surface. The outwardly extending rib also has lateralsides. It should be noted that while the carcass and ribs are describedseparately for clarity, in practice the carcass will be formed as anintegral portion, including panel areas and ribs, around the woundlayer. The carcass surface between the ribs defines the plurality ofpanel areas.

The carcass has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters(mm) and usually a range of about 0.8 to 1.2 mm over the majority of thepanel areas. Each rib has a thickness in the range of about 0.75 to 1.50mm. The carcass may comprise an integral cellular portion adjacent thewinding layer.

The carcass is usually formed of two hemispheres separated at an equatorline, which are then molded over the winding layer. The carcass ismolded by placing rubber panels into a carcass mold. The molding of thecarcass hemispheres onto the winding layer forms a unitary, seamlesscarcass comprising rib(s) and panel areas; it also causes the carcassmaterial to flow into and around the strands of the winding layer for asecure mechanical bond.

The outermost surface of the ball is formed from discrete panels. Thepanels are shaped to fit within the panel areas between the rib(s). Apanel is placed on the outer surface of the carcass in a panel area andattached, usually with adhesive. The edges of the panels may be skivedand are generally adjacent to a rib side and flush with the exteriorface of the rib. The panels may be made from any combination ofmaterials and may also have a pebbled texture to improve grip andhandling of the ball. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure,each panel or a plurality of panels comprises a material selected frompolyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, rubber, or a composite material. Infurther embodiments, each panel or a plurality of panels have a pebbledtexture.

The game ball of the present disclosure may be produced largely in aconventional manner. Accordingly, the air bladder of the ball would beinflated to an appropriate size and preferably cooled to cause thematerial of the bladder to become somewhat rigid. In this rigidcondition, the air bladder is wound with adhesive coated polymerthreads. The air bladder with the overlying layer of windings is thenplaced in a mold in which the carcass hemispheres are arrayed. Rubberpanels are placed within the mold in order to mold the carcass. The moldis closed and sealed and optionally the air bladder is inflated to helpthe bladder make full contact with the carcass materials within themold, and heat and pressure are applied to cause the rubber of thecarcass to cure and vulcanize and become securely attached to the airbladder and winding layer. The molding process further forms thestructure of the carcass, including rib(s) and panel areas.

Individual panels are formed to fit over the surface of the carcasswithin the panel areas defined by the formed rib(s). Decals, paint orother decorative or informative markings are usually applied to thepanels at this manufacturing stage. Each panel is then applied to apanel area on the ball. The edge portion of each panel is skived ortapered. When a skived panel edge is correctly positioned abutting arib, the panel edge will be adjacent a rib side and substantially flushwith the outwardly projecting rib face.

Subsequently, the completed ball is taken from the mold and flash fromthe molding process is trimmed from the ball.

It is to be understood that the game ball of the present disclosure isnot limited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed within are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

1. An inflatable game ball, comprising a surface, at least one rightside, at least one left side, and either two or four channels; whereineach channel forms a closed loop extending across the surface of theball between a right side and a left side; wherein each channel definesa panel area inside the closed loop of the channel; and the channels donot intersect.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The game ball of claim 1, wherein theright side is located substantially near an end of the ball and the leftside is located substantially near the opposite end of the ball; whereinthe channels are symmetrically placed around the surface of the ball;and wherein a plurality of panel areas has substantially the same shapeand dimensions.
 4. (canceled)
 5. The game ball of claim 1, wherein thechannels are symmetrically placed around the surface of the ball.
 6. Thegame ball of claim 1, wherein a plurality of panel areas hassubstantially the same shape and dimensions.
 7. The game ball of claim1, wherein each channel is non-planar.
 8. The game ball of claim 1,wherein the ball has one left side and one right side.
 9. The game ballof claim 8, wherein the right side is located substantially near an endof the ball and the left side is located substantially near the oppositeend of the ball.
 10. An inflatable game ball, comprising a surface, aright side, a left side, and a channel; wherein the channel forms aclosed loop extending across the surface of the ball between the rightside and the left side at least six times.
 11. The game ball of claim10, wherein the channel extends across the surface of the ball betweenthe right side and the left side eight times.
 12. The game ball of claim10, wherein the channel defines two panel areas and the two panel areashave substantially the same shape and dimensions.
 13. An inflatable gameball, comprising: a carcass comprising an outer surface, at least oneright side, at least one left side, and either two or four ribs on theouter surface; wherein each rib forms a closed loop extending across theouter surface of the carcass between a right side and a left side; andeach rib defines a panel area inside the closed loop of the rib; and aplurality of panels, wherein each panel is placed on the outer surfaceof the carcass in a panel area.
 14. The game ball of claim 13, whereineach panel comprises a material selected from the group consisting ofpolyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, rubber, and a composite material. 15.The game ball of claim 13, wherein each panel has a pebbled texture. 16.The game ball of claim 13, wherein each panel has substantially the sameshape and the same dimensions.
 17. An inflatable game ball, comprising:a carcass comprising an outer surface, a right side, a left side, and arib on the outer surface; wherein the rib forms a closed loop extendingacross the outer surface of the carcass between the right side and theleft side at least six times and defines two panel areas; and aplurality of panels, wherein each panel is placed on the outer surfaceof the carcass in a panel area.
 18. The game ball of claim 17, whereinthe game ball has two panels and each panel is placed in a differentpanel area.
 19. The game ball of claim 17, wherein the rib extendsacross the carcass between the right side and left side eight times.